NSW routs Vics to clinch Pura Cup title

Sydney: New South Wales Blues defeated Victoria Bushrangers by 285 runs to clinch the Pura Cup title - the premier Australian domestic tourney- at the SCG here on Wednesday.

The Blues secured victory in the second session of the final day's play, with wrist-spinner Casson, the pick of the NSW bowlers (4/126), plucking up the last wicket to fall before being swamped by delirious team-mates.

This is NSW's 45th interstate title win in the Cup (earlier Sheffield Shield) history.

The Bushrangers resuming the fifth day at 2/96 lost four wickets in the first session to end any remote hope of drawing the tie.

David Hussey (33), Cameron White (57), Andrew McDonald (4) and Nick Jewell (99) all departed before lunch and then it was just a matter of time before the Blues began celebrations.

The visitors' four remaining wickets fell between lunch and tea with the unlikely victory target still a distant 259 runs away.

Hussey failed to add to his overnight score, driving Lee to Casson in the covers in the first over of the day.

White and Jewell put together an entertaining 115-run partnership before the skipper was out shortly before the interval.

Attempting to drive Clark down the ground, White got a leading edge and Nathan Bracken at mid-on held on to a high catch. White struck seven fours and two sixes in a free-flowing 72-ball knock.

McDonald lasted just 10 balls before he was caught by Simon Katich at bat pad with the score on 222.

Jewell was cruelly denied a century, given out lbw to Clark on the last ball before lunch.

Peter Siddle (18) and Crosthwaite took up the challenge in the second session and put together a useful 40-run partnership before it was broken in unlucky circumstances.

Crosthwaite belted a straight drive which deflected off Casson's hands and onto the stumps with Siddle, who was backing up, out of his ground. Crosthwaite made 50 before he was bowled by a delivery from Casson which kept low.

Bryce McGain (25) reached his highest first-class score before being caught in close by Phil Jaques off Casson's bowling.